HOMES: Four reasons to rent
Choose a rental home that offers easy access to the things and places that interest you.
Should you buy and pay off a bond, or should you rent?
Here are four reasons why renting is better:
1. Less work for you
Lock-up-and-go flexibility is the name of the game if you are going to rent, so make sure that all home maintenance and upkeep is included in your lease – especially if there is a garden or yard that needs looking after.
You should also look out for homes that are freshly painted and that have modern appliances, plumbing and electrical fittings, so that there is less risk of time-consuming faults and malfunctions.
2. Accessibility
Avoid rental homes with stairs, different levels and difficult-to-access cupboards and storage spaces, especially if you plan to stay for quite a while.
Look for modern elevators in multi-storey buildings or direct garage-to-home access in ground-level homes, as well as other universal design features such as walk-in showers, level floors throughout and task lighting in the kitchen.
Just because you are renting, doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality, comfort or convenience.
3. Community
Choose a rental home that offers easy access to the things and places that interest you – such as places to study, or galleries, restaurants, music venues or theatres.
And if you are renting in a complex, choose one with community facilities that you will use, such as a pool or a gym or braai facilities.
4. Security
This is paramount, especially if you plan to travel a lot. Choose a rental home that has burglar bars and security gates on doors even if it is in a secure complex or building, and a proper lock-up garage.
Put in a rented alarm system if it does not have one and consider some cameras linked to your smartphone that will enable you to monitor activity in and around the home whenever you are away.
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